Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Des Moines, IA: $208,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $208,604/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $227,483 in average-cost America. The 114% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, seasoned financial advisors in Des Moines stand to earn substantial salaries, with the top 10% potentially bringing in an impressive $208,604 annually. This elevates the earnings potential significantly above the local median of $97,381, creating a noteworthy experience premium in the market. To achieve this elite tier of compensation, professionals typically possess over seven years of experience, advanced credentials, and a robust client base. Compared to the national median of $108,537 for financial advisors, those in Des Moines may find their earning potential slightly lower, driven by local market dynamics, but with a clear trajectory for growth.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $143,009 and $208,604 per year (2026 est.). This $154,020 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $97,381 sits 10.28% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,381 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,009 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $208,604 | $368,802 |
In Des Moines, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 114.21% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $97,381 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $143,009–$208,604 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area, which is a large CFP, FA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced financial advisors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured financial advisors in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Financial Advisors in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Financial Advisor Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Moines
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #6 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $208,604).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Des Moines ($208,604) is 23.76% below the Iowa average P90 ($273,626).
2023 BLS Actual
$221,160
2025 BLS Actual
$201,940
2026 Current Est.
$208,604
2023–2027 Growth
+-2.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Des Moines (2023–2027)
2023–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $221,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $208,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $215,488 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow -8.7% from $221,160 in 2023 to $201,940 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $215,488 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2023–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.30% CAGR derived from 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Des Moines
At the senior level, specializations such as high-net-worth private wealth management and estate planning can command higher compensation within Des Moines' financial advising landscape. Financial advisors in key roles at wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch often earn differently than their counterparts at independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) or insurance-affiliated firms such as Northwestern Mutual. Leadership advancement opportunities abound, ranging from progressions as junior advisors to becoming partners in RIAs. Additionally, credentials like the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) can significantly boost earning potential. Non-salary factors also enrich compensation, including assets under management (AUM) performance, fee models contrasting at RIAs versus commission structures at wirehouses, and lucrative transition packages for advisors leaving these larger firms. The evolving market presents a dynamic stage for experienced financial advisors in Des Moines, IA, to leverage their skills for maximum pay.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $201,940 for financial advisors in the Des Moines metro area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.30%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for financial advisors (SOC 13-2052).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov